The Orchard wedding photographer
Real weddings at The Orchard near Bearsted, from a ceremony in the Garden Gazebo to the festoon-lit Water Terrace, golden-hour portraits and a night-time kiss in the glowing gazebo.
Getting ready and the ceremony
The day starts with bridal preparations in bright, pretty rooms, and the terrace by Oak Lodge is perfect for bride and bridesmaid photos. For the ceremonies, the Garden Gazebo gives a classic, romantic setting with the aisle running across the lawn, while the Water Terrace is covered by a timber roof full of lights, with the chairs dressed in tulle and roses.
Portraits around the grounds
After the ceremony, the gardens are where The Orchard really shines. The metal arch walkway makes a lovely frame for a couple walking towards the camera, and the wooden gates opening onto the lit pergola are a real highlight. Big group photos fit easily on the lawn.
Into the evening
Inside, the reception room is light and airy, with fairy lights across the ceiling, a flower arch and a dance floor in the middle. Once it’s dark, I like to take the couple back outside for a few minutes: the Garden Gazebo glows at night and makes a stunning final portrait.
Photography tips for The Orchard
- Bridesmaid photos: the terrace at Oak Lodge has comfortable seating and a natural backdrop.
- Couple portraits: the arch walkway and the pergola work beautifully in the softer light later in the day.
- Group photos: the lawn has room for everyone, even large groups.
- Night portraits: allow five minutes after the first dance for the lit-up gazebo.
Your wedding at The Orchard
I’m about 10 minutes away in Maidstone. My full-day package suits The Orchard perfectly, from Oak Lodge in the morning to the gazebo at night, and my twilight package works for later starts. Both include printing, and every wedding is shot on two cameras, including a 100-megapixel medium format camera.
Google reviews
What couples say
“His demeanour and calm nature was excellent when getting the group photos and he wasn’t intrusive when capturing the ceremony and more relaxed moments.”
“He managed to get some very excited guests into position for some fantastic group shots.”
“On the day, Chris arrived early to prepare and talked us through everything, step by step as the day progressed. He put us both at ease, which helped settle our nerves…”
“Despite there being severe delays beyond the control of all involved, Chris completely rearranged his day to make sure he could capture ours.”
“Chris really got to know us as we worked out what we wanted our wedding to be like. He understood exactly what we wanted - a relaxed vibe!”
“He was very discreet but there for every single special moment! We were blown away by the pictures we received from Chris!”
Questions people ask
Have you photographed weddings at The Orchard?
Yes. Every photo on this page is from weddings I’ve photographed at The Orchard, with ceremonies in both the Garden Gazebo and on the Water Terrace.
Where are the best photo spots at The Orchard?
There are lots of them within a short walk. The wooden Water Terrace shelter strung with festoon lights, the white Garden Gazebo, the metal arch walkway through the gardens and the wooden gates and pergola covered in wisteria are all favourites. Oak Lodge has a lovely terrace for bridesmaid photos, too.
Is The Orchard good for evening photos?
Very. As it gets dark, the pergola, the Water Terrace and the Garden Gazebo all light up, which gives some beautiful, atmospheric portraits. A few minutes outside after the first dance is well worth it.
What if it rains at The Orchard?
The Water Terrace has a solid wooden roof, so an outdoor feel is still possible in light rain, and the reception room inside is bright, with fairy lights across the ceiling, for portraits and group photos.
Which package suits a wedding at The Orchard?
Most couples here have the ceremony, meal and party all at The Orchard, so my full-day package at £997 including VAT, which covers everything from preparation to the evening, is the natural fit. For a later start, the twilight package is £697 including VAT.
How far is The Orchard from you?
It’s just outside Maidstone near Bearsted, about 10 minutes from me.
Venue guides
Other venues I've photographed
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Getting married at The Orchard?
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